By The Eye desk · Last verified 4 October 2026
Bookshops in Singapore come in three kinds. The big chains, led by Kinokuniya, POPULAR and Times, offer the widest range, mall locations and member discounts. The independents are smaller and more specialised, from art and design to Malay and Muslim titles, Chinese-language books, children’s picture books and Singapore literature; eight of them now sell together online through Bookshop.sg, and around 20 joined the first Singapore Indie Bookshop Day on 2 to 4 October 2026. Second-hand books are found at long-running dealers in Bras Basah Complex, at charity thrift shops and online. For reading without buying, the National Library Board’s free membership remains the best deal in town.
Whatever you read, there is a shelf here waiting for you. This is how to find it.
Quick facts
- Big chains: Kinokuniya, POPULAR and Times, each with mall outlets and online shops.
- Bookshop.sg pools stock from eight independents: Basheer Graphic Books, City Book Room, Epigram Bookshop, Nurul Anwar Bookstore, Sea Breeze Books, Union Book, Thryft and Wardah Books.
- Singapore Indie Bookshop Day ran from 2 to 4 October 2026, with the main events on Saturday 3 October, across about 20 independent shops.
- Bras Basah Complex is the traditional hub for second-hand books and specialist dealers.
- Charity thrift shops and online marketplaces also sell used books.
- NLB library membership is free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents.
Chains, independents or second-hand: which should you use?
| Type | Examples | Strengths | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big chains | Kinokuniya, POPULAR, Times | Huge range, new releases, mall locations, member discounts, school and assessment books | Full cover prices unless you are a member or catch a sale |
| Independent bookshops | Basheer Graphic Books, Epigram Bookshop, Wardah Books, Woods in the Books, Book Bar | Expert curation, local and niche titles, events and readings | Smaller stock; opening hours vary, so check before going |
| Bookshop.sg | Eight independents selling together online | One basket across several indies; you choose which shop to support | Delivery terms vary; check at checkout |
| Second-hand dealers | Evernew Bookstore and Bookpoint at Bras Basah Complex; Thryft online | Low prices, out-of-print finds | Condition varies; inspect before paying |
| Charity thrift shops | Salvation Army and MINDS shops | Very cheap; proceeds help a cause | Hit and miss |
| Libraries | NLB public libraries and eBooks | Free for residents | Waiting lists for popular titles |
Where are the specialists?
The October 2026 Indie Bookshop Day showed how varied the scene is. Time Out’s coverage highlighted Basheer Graphic Books for art and design, Bommoi for Korean titles, Woods in the Books and Eliko Picture Books & things for children, Wardah Books for Muslim publications, Epigram Books for local fiction, plus Wormhole and Book Bar. Bookshop.sg adds Chinese-language specialists such as City Book Room, Sea Breeze Books and Union Book, and Nurul Anwar Bookstore for Malay and Islamic titles. Our history pieces on Kinokuniya, POPULAR and Bras Basah Complex tell the stories behind the big names.
How do you buy books for less?
- Borrow first. If you are not sure you will reread a book, start with the library. Our guide to how Singapore’s libraries work covers borrowing limits and free eBooks.
- Join the chain you use most. Member discounts add up for families buying school books.
- Buy local literature with culture credits. Check whether your bookshop accepts the SG Culture Pass for eligible titles.
- Go second-hand for classics and textbooks, at Bras Basah Complex or online, inspecting condition before you pay.
- Watch for book fairs and festival sales, including events around the Singapore Writers Festival.
The WahLiao Verdict
Use the chains for range and school lists, the independents for discovery, and the second-hand dealers for bargains and rarities. If you love a particular indie, buy from it directly or choose it on Bookshop.sg: small shops survive on loyal readers. Borrow what you will read once, buy what you will treasure, and keep your books away from damp; our guide to caring for books in Singapore’s humidity shows how.
Questions people ask
Where can I buy second-hand books in Singapore?
Bras Basah Complex has long-running dealers such as Evernew Bookstore and Bookpoint. Thryft sells used books online, and charity thrift shops and marketplace apps are worth a look too.
What is Bookshop.sg?
A shared online shop for Singapore independents, conceived by local booksellers in 2024. When a title is stocked by more than one member, you choose which shop to support.
Which bookshop is best for Singapore literature?
Independents such as Epigram Bookshop focus on local writing, and the big chains carry Singapore sections too. Ask staff for recommendations; it is what they love doing.
Can I sell my old books?
Some second-hand dealers buy stock, and you can list books on marketplace apps. Otherwise, donate clean, good-condition books to a charity shop.
Sources: Bookshop.sg, about the shared independent bookshop; Time Out Singapore, Singapore’s first Indie Bookshop Day; Times Bookstores, second-hand bookshops guide. The Eye explains; it does not endorse.
Read next: How Singapore’s Libraries Work · How the Singapore Writers Festival Works · Back to The Eye
For what’s worth it this week, with the bill shown, read The WahLiao Week.
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